Are you kidding? "The aircraft reached its weight limit," the airline agent said to those of us waiting at the gate. "We cannot board any more passengers."

I knew the plane was small. But I also knew that per ADA regulations, they should have allowed me to board first (not that I'm special or anything, but blind and handicapped folks usually hop on the plane first). Secondly, a few hundred women expected my keynote message and I'd have to tell them I couldn't arrive in time. Gulp.

Not happening. That was my attitude. I gave a prayer of thanks to the Lord. Thanking Him for seeing this glitch through His eyes. Calmness ruled my heart then. I knew it wasn't about the obstacle, but it was all about God's close observation of the situation. I trusted, I believed and may I say, I dared to praise Him. Praise Him because He knew the other side of the story. He was aware of the outcome, and He held this situation in His hands.

I sat back and watched. And after the agent made several offers for credit toward airline tickets, no one budged. But the final offer of $1,500 prompted a man to leave his seat. I smiled as I settled in that plane.

See? It's not the pandemic that some claim, not the virus that reaches loved ones, it's not even the threat to the economy. It is about the power of God at work.

Attitude Shifts Needed

If we shift our glance and take in the whole picture, our personal world changes, our attitude shifts and our perception takes on a new angle.

That's why when facing the threat to our comfort, to our health, to our finances and our future:

—It's all about recovering our peace by taking one important step—changing our focus.

—It's not the sudden virus that shatters our world, but Jesus' power that can overcame it (John 16:33).

—It's not the timing of the cure, but the reassurance He has heard our request (Ps. 34:17).

—It's not the uncertainty of tomorrow, but the peace He provides for today (Phil. 4:4-7).

—It's not the confusion that sets in, but the clarity we know in Christ (2 Cor. 5:15-19).

—It's not the uncertainty that plagues, but His promises that lift us up (Rom. 8:31).

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—It's not the weight of our burden, but what we'll do with it (Matt. 11:25).

—It's not the size of the problem, but the dimension of God's healing hand (Ps. 90).

—It's not about the future too dim to handle, but His presence at every step (Josh. 1:9).

—It's not about our sorrow, but the promise He will turn it to joy (Isa. 61:3)

—It's not about the turmoil in our storms, but His peace that will follow (Mark 4:39).

While our country and the rest of the world border on panic, we breathe in His reassurance. No matter your situation, did you know God knows what you need, what you feel, how you hurt, where you are? Yet He has a different perspective than yours. His view is different and supernatural. His approach ushers victory, brings calmness and puts peace back.

Here's the question: What will you choose? To focus on the gloom of the surroundings or on the glory that His promises bring?

Pray With Me

Father, grant me a new perspective. Show me the path to look beyond what my eyes see, and help me to perceive the truth in Your Word instead.

Janet Perez Ecklesis an international speaker and the author of four books. She has helped thousands conquer fear and bring back joy.

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